Cataract Surgery Procedures – Step-by-step – Risks and Costs

Guidelines for patients interested in cataract surgery

Surgery is the only effective method to treat cataracts nowadays. It is widely regarded as safe and reliable. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world. During the operation, the natural clouded lens is permanently replaced with a very small artificial lens – a so-called intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is well-established and constantly evolving with new technology: for example, new types of intraocular lenses, and more precise devices for diagnosis and imaging.

Cataract removal has very good and sustainable results. Most people’s sight improves soon after surgery. However, as with each surgical procedure, you should keep a few things in mind. Read through the following sections to learn more about the process of cataract surgery and what happens during each step of the procedure.

With cataracts, the crystalline lens of the eye becomes gradually clouded, causing impaired vision. The cloudy lens needs to be removed and replaced by an artificial intraocular lens to restore vision. Watch the video to learn about the changes in the natural lens and the process of cataract surgery.

Undergoing Cataract Surgery

What happens during treatment

Cataract surgery has proven to be a safe and effective treatment method for many years. As the most common surgical procedure in the world, it is a routine treatment usually performed on an out-patient basis. It takes between 15 to 30 minutes. The surgery is performed on one eye at a time. The second eye is usually treated a few days to a few weeks later.

Here is a step-by-step guide to everything that occurs before and during the process: from preparations at home to walking out of the operating room.

Preparations on the day of the operation

On the day of your operation, there are few things you should keep in mind:

Do not wear any lotion, make-up, after-shave, or perfume.

Wear normal and relaxing clothes.

Eat a light meal no later than five hours before the procedure and stay hydrated to ensure a stable circulation for the procedure.

Arrange for transportation afterwards.

You will be brought into the operation room lying on a surgical bed during your appointment. The procedure generally does not require sutures, which aids a quicker recovery. You will be allowed to go home after a short observation period.

Steps of Cataract Surgery

What to expect

1. Measurement

Firstly, a few days or weeks prior to the surgery, the eye is precisely measured to calculate the correct power that is needed for the intraocular lens.

2. Anaesthesia

Directly before the procedure, you will be given an injection, or drops of anaesthesia, to numb the eye and to ensure the process is painless. An eyelid holder is used to prevent you from blinking during surgery. Furthermore, your eyelids and the surrounding skin will be disinfected.

3. Incision of the Cornea

The surgeon makes a small incision of approximately 2 mm in the cornea to insert the IOL.

4. Protection of the Inner Eye

For protection, supporting intraocular structures create space for surgical tools. A jelly-like substance called ‘Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device’ (OVD) is injected in the eye. OVDs protect the corneal endothelium and other tissues during surgery by minimizing the interaction between tissues and instruments.

5. Opening the Capsular Bag for Precise Placement

With a thin scalpel, the surgeon creates a small opening in the capsular bag, where the natural lens is located.

6. Phacoemulsification

The cataract lens is softened and broken apart using a small high-frequency ultrasound device called a ‘phaco tip’. It is removed, using gentle suction.

7. IOL Insertion

The intraocular lens is then carefully positioned in the capsular bag where the original lens was located before. The eye heals the incisions itself.

8. Post-Operative Eye Protection

The surgeon will place a protective patch over your eye.

After the Procedure

What to expect after cataract surgery

The recovery after cataract surgery is relatively short – it can take a few days, but also up to one month. It really depends on the patient. You will immediately notice a significant vision improvement following the operation. However, you may also experience blurriness and feel discomfort. It can take a few days for the eye to adjust and vision to improve. Bifocal and trifocal lenses normally require a longer period of adjustment of several weeks or months before vision fully improves.

For an optimal recovery, follow your doctor's detailed instructions about how to protect your eye after the procedure, and go to your follow-up exams.

First Steps After Surgery

Make sure to follow these instructions after your operation:

Get someone to drive you home afterwards.

Try to take a long nap after to keep your eyes closed and rested.

Resist the urge to rub your eyes if they feel itchy.

If you are feeling any discomfort or slight pain, ask your doctor for eye drops or an over-the-counter mild pain reliever.

Explain your symptoms to your doctor during the follow-up visit.

Right After Surgery

After the procedure, you might be told to wear an eye patch or similar protection for a few days. Your doctor may also prescribe drops or other medications to prevent infection and control eye pressure. Make sure you use these medications exactly as prescribed.

Relaxation for a Quick Recovery

The doctors may advise you to relax and avoid strenuous activities such as bending over, lifting things or exercising, as well as not to overexert your eyes in general for a few weeks. You should avoid rubbing your eye or putting extra pressure on it when sneezing, for instance. The first week after surgery, you should avoid swimming or using a bath/hot tub to reduce the risk of infection. Moreover, avoid exposure to irritants such as grime, dust and wind, and refrain from washing your hair.

Working at your computer or watching TV for a short amount of time should be possible within a few hours after your surgery. However, you should avoid reading and other activities that may stress your eyes in the first days after the operation.

Follow-Up Exams

Usually, your doctor wants to look at your eye within 24 hours after surgery. Your vision and eye pressure will be checked and instructions will be given on how to use the prescribed drops. Your vision might be blurry right afterwards, but it will improve during the first few days after your treatment.

Additional examinations are typically scheduled over the following weeks to monitor the healing process until vision has fully stabilized. Depending on the type of
intraocular lens, one to four follow-up appointments within the first month after surgery are customary. The final follow-up appointment will take place about a month after the cataract removal procedure.

Regular Exams

After the follow-up examinations, you only need to go to your ophthalmologist for periodic check-ups, just like before your surgery.

If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, your surgeon will usually wait at least a few days, or even up to two weeks, for your first eye to recover before performing the procedure on the second eye. If correcting glasses are still needed after the surgery, they should be prescribed only four to six weeks after the surgery.

Inform your doctor if you experience:

a strong pain in your eye

a re-appearing redness in your eye

unusual headache or nausea

considerable vision deterioration

light flashes, or huge increase of floaters in your vision

Cataract Surgery Complications

Potential risks and side effects

Surgery is a proven and established procedure and considered to be safe and less stressful for the body. Most patients decide to undergo cataract surgery for the following reasons:

Improved vision

Increased mobility and independence

Relief from the fear of going blind

Like all surgeries, however, it is not completely free of risks and side effects. Your ophthalmologist can explain all the possible risks and decide whether you are eligible for cataract surgery.

General Risks and Complications

Since it’s one of the most commonly performed types of surgeries, many surgeons have already accomplished several thousand IOL procedures. Choosing a well-experienced surgeon may positively impact the outcome of the surgery and make you feel more comfortable.

According to a study, 95 percent of adults are satisfied with the results. Just like any surgical procedure, potential side effects may include symptoms such as pain, infection and swelling, but very few people experience serious complications. And if they do, most of them can be successfully helped with medication or a follow-up procedure. To reduce the risk of post-procedure complications, be sure to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you and report any unusual symptoms immediately.

These are some side effects that can occur right after surgery:

Infections and Minor Complications

After cataract surgery, there is a risk of infection, and you may need to take eye drops for treatment. Please see an ophthalmologist if you experience excessive swelling or any other undesirable effects. Other potential complications are minor and may include:

Swelling

Increased pressure in the eye

Droopy eyelid

Minor complications usually clear up with medication and more healing time. Be sure to report any change to your ophthalmologist immediately. He or she can monitor the healing process and see if you need any medication.

Light Phenomena After Surgery

Some patients may experience some visual phenomena like glare or halos right after cataract surgery, especially in poor lighting conditions. Halos are bright circles that surround a light source, like headlights. Glare, on the other hand, is light that enters your eye interfering with your vision, and is more likely to appear in the daytime.

This occurs, for example, when driving at night or when there’s artificial light in the dark. These phenomena typically diminish a few weeks to a few months post-procedure, because the brain automatically adapts to the intraocular lens and compensates for it. Most patients do not feel disturbed by the light phenomena.

Consult your ophthalmologist for a check-up if you notice light phenomena even after the healing process has finished.

Posterior Capsule Opacification

A posterior capsule opacity (PCO) is one of the most common cataract surgery complications. It is a result of the growth and abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells on the capsule during surgery. These cells can migrate to the posterior capsule, where they approach the visual axis, and may cause a dimness of vision. Although some people call PCO a “secondary cataract,” it isn’t. Once a cataract is removed, it does not come back.

Fortunately, a PCO can easily be treated with a YAG laser. Your ophthalmologist can perform this procedure in his office. It is very effective, painless and takes only a few minutes.

Most people can expect their vision to improve within a day. If you are struggling with continuous bad vision after your IOL operation, contact your ophthalmologist to discuss the next possible steps together.

Costs of Cataract Surgery

What role should the price play?

If you’re considering correcting your vision, please keep in mind that there is no standard price for cataract surgery. The prices may differ considerably depending on different factors. While you might find the prices daunting at first, remember this is most likely a one-time investment in your vision and more importantly, it is probably covered by your health insurance.

Does My Health Insurance Cover the Surgery?

Whether your health insurance covers the costs of your cataract surgery varies on the individual provider, country or regional system. Often, basic cataract surgery is considered necessary from a medical point of view and is therefore covered by healthcare plans. If you plan to have a presbyopia-correcting IOL on the other hand, you should discuss with your health insurance whether they pay for that “premium package” or not.

Speak with your doctor and health insurance company to weigh your options. Some doctors also offer a payment plan to make cataract surgery more affordable.

Cost factors to Consider

The cost of cataract surgery depends on several factors:

Treatment procedure

The type of intraocular lens used

Location

Pre- and after care

Services included

A face-to-face consultation or personally calling the clinic is recommended, if you have questions regarding prices. If you meet with an ophthalmologist or clinic representative, you can also ask whether the price covers just one eye or both, which examinations are included, and which extra services are being offered.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clinic

Everyone ranks what they find important regarding cataract surgery differently. Some patients prefer clinics that are nearby, others prioritize an earlier date. Many patients however, consider and search for the factors below when looking for a clinic:

Specialty: The focus of the clinic and the specific qualifications and training of the surgeon

Experience: The total number of operations performed

Availability: The option of meeting a potential doctor at your consultations, immediately before surgery and his or her flexibility (e.g. appointments in the evening if you are employed)

Offerings: Which types of intraocular lenses are offered and if you can find one that is right for you

Relationship: Whether you feel comfortable with the doctor and the answers you get to your questions

Price: Whether it includes pre- and post-treatment care and to what extent

Recommendations: Whether the clinic has good reviews and is recommended by doctors or patients

Location: The distance from the place you live may increase the general costs by additional travel and hotel expenses. Depending on the region or country you live, the health care insurance pays completely or a part of the treatment

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Type of IOL

One of the main differences in the outcome of the surgery is the type of lens that is implanted in place of your natural lens. There are different types of intraocular lenses available nowadays.

In addition to standard monofocal IOLs, usually covered by health insurance, there are more advanced IOLs available today, which offer additional focus points. They enable patients to see clearly at different distances. Bifocal, EDoF and trifocal IOLs belong to this category, which is usually not covered by the health insurance.

Advanced IOLs can also have additional functions, enabling them to better match the unique requirements of each patient, such as aspheric and toric IOLs. They are used to improve contrast vision and correct astigmatism.

In general, it can be said that the higher the degree of independence from glasses and the better the quality of vision provided by an intraocular lens, the higher the price of the implant. Please also bear in mind the costs of glasses or other visual aids you need to cover if you choose a lens that does not offer freedom from glasses.

Related Articles

What are Cataracts?
When vision becomes cloudy

Causes and Risk Factors of Cataract
How to prevent cataracts

Diagnosing and Treating a Cataract
Prepare for your appointment

Choosing a Cataract Lens
Introducing Intraocular Lenses: What are the differences?

Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract Treatment
What you should know about cataract treatment

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.